With summer just around the corner, we insist on Madres Hoy in the importance of take care of the health of our feet. Hot, humid environments favor fungi and can affect anyone. Today we explore why they appear, what their symptoms are and how to eliminate them. And we also answer a common question at this time: Is toenail fungus contagious?
What are toenail fungus?
Toenail fungus, known as onychomycosis, is nothing more than infections caused by fungal organisms that proliferate in warm and humid environments. These fungi usually enter through small lesions in the skin and nails, finding the ideal environment in the feet to grow and spread.
Why do they appear?
Do you wonder why you get foot fungus? The appearance of foot fungus can be related to various causes, The warm and humid environment being one of the main factors that favors its development, but not the only one. Discover them all to avoid them:
- Humid environments: Fungi thrive in warm, humid places, such as public bathrooms, locker rooms, pools and shared showers. Remaining barefoot in these spaces, therefore, increases the risk of contracting the infection.
- Excessive perspiration: People whose feet sweat significantly have a greater risk of developing fungus, since humidity and heat favor the proliferation of the microorganisms responsible for the infection.
- Use of inappropriate footwear: Prolonged use of closed and tight footwear, especially during summer, favors the accumulation of moisture in the feet, creating an environment conducive to fungus.
- Nail injuries: Minor injuries to the nails or the skin around them can facilitate the entry of fungi through small cracks or cuts, promoting infection.
- Deficiencies in the immune system: People with weakened immune systems, whether due to medical conditions such as diabetes or HIV, immunosuppressive treatments, or stress, are at increased risk of foot fungal infections.
- Genetic factors: Genetic predisposition can also influence a person's susceptibility to developing foot fungus. Studies say that some of us may be more likely than others to contract these types of infections.
Symptom
The symptoms of a fungal infection They are quite obvious so it is not usually difficult to identify what is happening to our feet. To do so, however, it is necessary to know these, at least the most common:
- color changes and the texture of the nails.
- Brittle or thickened nails.
- Bad smell In the feet.
- Itching or burning sensation on the skin around the nails.
Are they contagious?
Can we get infected if we share a towel or shoes with someone who has foot fungus? Yes, mushrooms are contagious. and they can be infected through direct contact, sharing shoes or socks, or as we already indicated a few lines back by walking barefoot in public areas such as swimming pools, showers or locker rooms.
It is essential, therefore, take preventive measures to prevent the spread of fungus, such as keeping your feet clean and dry, not sharing shoes or pedicure tools, and wearing sandals in public places. In addition, of course, to treating toenail fungus to prevent its spread.
How to remove them?
To eliminate foot fungus it is important to follow a proper hygiene routine and consult a specialist in order to receive the appropriate treatment. Keeping your feet clean and dry, wearing soft and breathable socks, choosing footwear that allows adequate ventilation to prevent the proliferation of fungi, and avoiding sharing personal items will be key to preventing its spread.
In addition, there are topical and oral treatments which prescribed by a doctor will help eliminate the fungi as antifungals and specialized solutions to combat the infection from its source. Treatments with which it is essential to be constant.